How to Become a Notary in the State of Indiana

If you're interested in becoming an Indiana notary public, the information listed below will guide you step by step.

To become an Indiana notary, a notary applicant must be:

1. 18 years of age or older.
2. A legal resident of the state of Indiana.
3. Posses an Indiana driver license, identification card, or any other acceptable form of identification and proof of Indiana residence.
4. Never have been convicted of a crime.

If you meet the above qualifications you can apply to become an Indiana notary by:

1. Purchasing a eight-year, $5,000 Indiana notary bond from an approved bonding agency.
2. Starting an online application on the Indiana Secretary of State's Online Notary Portal.
3. Completing the multiple choice training questions on the SOS Online Notary Portal.
4. Entering your personal and bond information on the application.
5. Reading and accepting the oath of office.
6. Paying the application and commission fee.
7. Printing out your Indiana notary public commission certificate from the link on the State's emailed confirmation letter.

How can I start the Indiana notary application process to become an Indiana notary?

To become an Indiana notary, please follow the instructions listed on the previous section on becoming an Indiana notary. Click here for more information on how to become an Indiana notary and read our Indiana law section. More information can be found at the Indiana Secretary of State's website.

How do I renew my Indiana notary commission?

Renewing your Indiana notary commission requires you to take the same steps as applying for an Indiana notary commission for the first time. A new application should be started before the notary's expiration date to ensure  uninterrupted authority.

When can I renew my Indiana notary commission?

You can renew your Indiana notary commission up to sixty days before your commission expiration date.

How much does it cost to become an Indiana Notary?

To become an Indiana notary you must purchase an eight-year, $5,000 Indiana notary bond. The cost of the Indiana notary bond is only $50.00. The notary bond can be purchase at the American Association of Notaries' website: https://www.indiananotary.com/stamps.asp#bonds. The Indiana Secretary of State also require all Indiana notary applicants to pay $11.22 for the application and commission fee after completing the online application. You also need an Indiana notary stamp (price will vary based on the notary stamp unit you select). Please visit https://www.indiananotary.com/stamps.asp for notary stamps and supplies.

How long does it take to become an Indiana Notary Public?

The eight-year $5,000 Indiana notary bond purchased from the American Association of Notaries are issued within one business day. Completing an application online at the Indiana Secretary of State website speeds up the application process. If all the information is completed correctly at the Indiana Secretary of State's website, you will receive a confirmation letter by email within one to two business days. The confirmation letter will have a link to follow to print out your Indiana notary public commission certificate.

How long is an Indiana notary commission?

An Indiana notary term is for eight years. To verify when your term begins and ends you'll have to take a look at the effective and expiration dates on the Indiana notary public commission certificate issued to you when your application was approved. To continue performing notarial acts as an Indiana notary after your current expiration date, you'll have to renew your commission before your notary term expires. Please click here to renew your commission.

Where do I purchase the eight-year, $5,000 Indiana notary bond?

The Indiana notary bond can be purchased online at https://www.indiananotary.com/how-to-become-an-indiana-notary/. The cost for the eight-year, $5,000 Indiana notary bond is $50.00. Notary bonds are issued within one business day.

Why do I need an Indiana notary bond?

The State of Indiana requires all Indiana notary applicants to purchase a notary bond to protect the public from any errors and omissions the notary may commit.

Does the Indiana notary bond protect me if I get sued?

No. To protect yourself as an Indian notary, you need to purchase an Indiana errors and omissions (E&O) policy. It will cover any unintentional errors or omissions made by the notary.

Do I need to purchase an Indiana notary errors and omissions (E&O) policy?

The Indiana notary errors and omissions insurance (E&O) policy is optional but highly recommended. It is very affordable and covers you even if a claim is invalid. We offer E&O policies at https://www.indiananotary.com/eo.asp.

Do I need to purchase an Indiana notary stamp? What notary supplies do I need when I become an Indiana notary?

After becoming an Indiana notary, in order to perform notarial acts in the state of Indiana, you need an Indiana notary stamp or an embossing seal. A notary record book, sometimes called a journal is recommended by the Indiana Secretary of State but is not required. An Indiana notary stamp or seal must meet the following requirements:

1. Be a notary rubber stamp or a notary embossing seal.
2. Indicate the notary's official title of "Notary Public."

The Indiana Secretary of State advises for convenience and security to add the following:

1. The words "Notary Public - State of Indiana."
2. The notary's name as it appears on their commission certificate
3. The notary's resident county.
4. The notary's commission number.
5. The notary's commission expiration date.

How do I order an Indiana notary stamp and record book?

Please go to https://www.indiananotary.com/stamps.asp to order your Indiana notary supplies. All our notary stamps and notary supplies come with a life-time replacement guarantee, are made in house, and are shipped in one business day.

Do I need to send you my Indiana notary commission certificate?

Please fax or email us your commission certificate so we can prepare your notary supplies (if purchased).

How can I train to become an Indiana notary?

The State of Indiana's Notary Public Department has an Official Notary Guide for download at https://www.in.gov/sos/business/2378.htm.

Click here to learn more about how to become an Indiana notary.